In the first 24–72 hours, your goal is simple: protect your health and preserve the facts.
- Get medical care immediately (even if you “feel okay”). Document symptoms, follow discharge instructions, and keep every visit record.
- Write down what you remember while it’s fresh—roadway location, direction of travel, approximate speed, weather/visibility, and anything about the other driver’s behavior.
- Request the police report number and keep copies of all paperwork you receive.
- Preserve evidence you can control: photos of damage, seatbelt/airbag position, visible injuries, and any scene details.
- Be careful with statements. Insurance and defense teams may ask for recorded statements quickly. Stick to basic facts and let your attorney handle legal positioning.
A Gainesville DUI claim often turns on timing—what was documented early versus what becomes harder to obtain later.


